Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Period: A Comprehensive Overview
The Mauryan Empire (321 BCE – 185 BCE) was the first large-scale empire in Indian history, followed by the Post-Mauryan period (185 BCE – 300 CE), which saw the rise of regional kingdoms and foreign invasions. This period played a crucial role in shaping India’s political, economic, and cultural landscape.
Mauryan Period (321 BCE – 185 BCE)
The Mauryan Empire was established by Chandragupta Maurya after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty with the help of Chanakya (Kautilya). The Mauryan rule marked the first centralized administration in India.
Key Rulers of the Mauryan Empire
1. Chandragupta Maurya (321 BCE – 297 BCE)
- Founded the Mauryan Empire by defeating Dhana Nanda of the Nanda Dynasty.
- United most of the Indian subcontinent under one rule.
- Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador, wrote “Indica”, which gives an account of his court.
- Later, he adopted Jainism and renounced his throne to become a Jain monk.
2. Bindusara (297 BCE – 273 BCE)
- Son of Chandragupta Maurya.
- Expanded the empire further into Deccan regions.
- Referred to as Amitraghata (Slayer of Foes).
- Maintained diplomatic relations with Hellenistic rulers like Antiochus I of Syria.
3. Ashoka the Great (273 BCE – 232 BCE)
- One of India’s greatest rulers.
- Kalinga War (261 BCE): A brutal war that led Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and adopt Dhamma (moral governance).
- Rock and Pillar Edicts: Inscribed throughout his empire, spreading messages of non-violence and good governance.
- Sent Buddhist missions to Sri Lanka (Mahendra and Sanghamitra), Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.
- Established hospitals, roads, and rest houses for welfare.
Mauryan Administration
- Highly Centralized Government: Emperor was the supreme authority.
- Chanakya’s Arthashastra: A treatise on administration, espionage, economy, and war.
- Provinces and Districts: The empire was divided into provinces (e.g., Taxila, Ujjain) governed by royal princes.
Mauryan Economy and Society
- Agriculture was the backbone; land revenue was a major source of income.
- State-controlled trade and industries; promoted international trade with the Greek world.
- Guilds (Shrenis) played an important role in trade and commerce.
Decline of the Mauryan Empire (185 BCE)
- Weak successors after Ashoka.
- Brahmanical resistance against Ashoka’s pro-Buddhist policies.
- Invasions by Greek rulers from the northwest.
- Pushyamitra Shunga, a Brahmin general, assassinated the last Mauryan ruler Brihadratha and established the Shunga dynasty.
Post-Mauryan Period (185 BCE – 300 CE)
After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, India witnessed political fragmentation and the rise of several regional kingdoms, foreign invasions, and cultural developments.
1. Shunga Dynasty (185 BCE – 73 BCE)
- Founded by Pushyamitra Shunga after overthrowing the Mauryas.
- Restored Brahmanical traditions and persecuted Buddhists.
- Patronized Sanskrit literature and revived Vedic sacrifices.
- Confronted Indo-Greek invasions.
2. Kanva Dynasty (73 BCE – 30 BCE)
- Overthrew the Shungas and ruled for a brief period.
- The last ruler was defeated by the Satavahanas.
3. Indo-Greek Kingdoms (200 BCE – 10 CE)
- Founded by Demetrius I after invading northwestern India.
- Menander I (Milinda) was the most famous Indo-Greek ruler; converted to Buddhism.
- Introduced Greek artistic influence on Indian sculpture (Gandhara Art).
4. Shaka (Scythians) Rule (1st Century BCE – 4th Century CE)
- Defeated Indo-Greeks and ruled western and northwestern India.
- Rudradaman I was the most famous Shaka ruler; known for the Junagarh Rock Inscription.
- Contributed to trade and architecture.
5. Parthians (Pahlavas) (1st Century CE)
- Ruled parts of northwestern India briefly.
- King Gondophernes is associated with St. Thomas, who is believed to have spread Christianity in India.
6. Kushana Empire (1st Century CE – 3rd Century CE)
- Founded by Kujula Kadphises in northwest India.
- Kanishka (127 CE – 150 CE): The greatest Kushana ruler.
- Patron of Buddhism; convened the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir.
- Supported Mahayana Buddhism.
- Issued gold coins with Greek and Indian deities.
- Promoted Gandhara and Mathura art styles.
7. Satavahana Dynasty (1st Century BCE – 3rd Century CE)
- Ruled in the Deccan region.
- Gautamiputra Satakarni was the most powerful ruler.
- Promoted trade with Romans; issued lead coins.
- Patronized Buddhism and built stupas like the Amaravati Stupa.
8. Gupta Empire (Post 300 CE)
- The decline of the Kushanas and Satavahanas led to the rise of the Gupta Empire (320 CE – 550 CE), marking the beginning of Classical India.
Cultural Developments in the Post-Mauryan Period
- Gandhara Art: A blend of Greek and Indian styles; famous for Buddha statues.
- Mathura School of Art: Developed under Kushanas; focused on Indian themes.
- Rise of Mahayana Buddhism: Worship of Buddha as a deity.
- Development of Sanskrit Literature: Panini’s Ashtadhyayi (Grammar) and Patanjali’s Mahabhashya.
- Expansion of Trade: India traded with Rome, China, and Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
The Mauryan Empire was a period of strong central rule, economic prosperity, and religious transformation under Ashoka. The Post-Mauryan period saw political fragmentation, the rise of regional powers, foreign invasions, and cultural exchanges, ultimately setting the stage for the Gupta Empire, which ushered in the Golden Age of India.